Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Intent To Establish a Working Group for Certain Equipment Classes of Refrigeration Systems of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers To Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy Conservation Standards, 46521-46525 [2015-19235]

Download as PDF 46521 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 150 Wednesday, August 5, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket Number EERE–2015–BT–STD– 0016] Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of Intent To Establish a Working Group for Certain Equipment Classes of Refrigeration Systems of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers To Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy Conservation Standards Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of intent and announcement of public meeting. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’ or, in context, ‘‘the Department’’) is giving notice of a public meeting and that DOE intends to establish a negotiated rulemaking working group under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (‘‘ASRAC’’) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (‘‘FACA’’) and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act (‘‘NRA’’) to negotiate proposed amended energy conservation standards for six equipment classes (i.e., the two equipment classes of multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four equipment classes of dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures) of walk-in cooler and freezer refrigeration systems. The purpose of the working group will be to discuss and, if possible, reach consensus on a proposed rule regarding amended energy conservation standards for only those aforementioned equipment classes of refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers and freezers, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as amended. The working group will consist of representatives of parties Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:26 Aug 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 having a defined stake in the outcome of the proposed standards, and will consult as appropriate with a range of experts on technical issues. Per the ASRAC Charter, the working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 27, 2015. DATES: DOE will host the first Working Group meeting, which is open to the public, and will be broadcast via webinar on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Washington, DC. Written comments and applications (i.e., cover letter and resume) to be appointed as members of the working group are welcome and should be submitted by August 12, 2015. ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, Room 8E–089. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate by webinar. To register for the webinar and receive call-in information, please register https://www1.eere.energy.gov/ buildings/appliance_standards/ rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/30. Interested person may submit comments and an application for membership (including a cover letter and resume), identified by docket number EERE–2015–BT–STD–0016, via any of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 2. Email: ASRAC@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2015–BT–STD– 0016 in the subject line of the message. 3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. 4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. Docket: The docket is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov/ PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 #!docketDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-STD0016, including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-STD0016 index. However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technologies (EE–2J), 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202–287–1692. Email: asrac@ee.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Authority II. Background III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures IV. Comments Requested V. Public Participation VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary I. Authority DOE is announcing its intent to negotiate proposed energy conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures, under the authority of sections 563 and 564 of the NRA (5 U.S.C. 561–570, Pub. L. 104–320). The regulation of walk-in coolers and freezers standards that DOE is proposing to develop under a negotiated rulemaking will be developed under the authority of EPCA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6311(1) and 42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq. II. Background As required by the NRA, DOE is giving notice that it is establishing a working group under ASRAC to discuss proposed energy conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 46522 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS A. Negotiated Rulemaking Consistent with the parties’ settlement agreement in Lennox v. DOE, No. 14– 60535 (5th Cir.), DOE is supporting the use of the negotiated rulemaking process to discuss and develop proposed energy conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. The primary reason for using the negotiated rulemaking process for this product is that stakeholders strongly support a consensual rulemaking effort. DOE believes such a regulatory negotiation process will be less adversarial and better suited to resolving complex technical issues. An important virtue of negotiated rulemaking is that it allows expert dialog that is much better than traditional techniques at getting the facts and issues right and will result in a proposed rule that will effectively reflect Congressional intent. A regulatory negotiation will enable DOE to engage in direct and sustained dialog with informed, interested, and affected parties when drafting the regulation, rather than obtaining input during a public comment period after developing and publishing a proposed rule. A rule drafted by negotiation with informed and affected parties is expected to be potentially more pragmatic and more easily implemented than a rule arising from the traditional process. Such rulemaking improvement is likely to provide the public with the full benefits of the rule while minimizing the potential negative impact of a proposed regulation conceived or drafted without the full prior input of outside knowledgeable parties. Because a negotiating working group includes representatives from the major stakeholder groups affected by or interested in the rule, the number of public comments on the proposed rule may be decreased. DOE anticipates that there will be a need for fewer substantive changes to a proposed rule developed under a regulatory negotiation process prior to the publication of a final rule. B. The Concept of Negotiated Rulemaking Usually, DOE develops a proposed rulemaking using Department staff and consultant resources. Congress noted in the NRA, however, that regulatory development may ‘‘discourage the VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:26 Aug 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 affected parties from meeting and communicating with each other, and may cause parties with different interests to assume conflicting and antagonistic positions . . . .’’ 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(2). Congress also stated that ‘‘adversarial rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the public of the benefits of face-to-face negotiations and cooperation in developing and reaching agreement on a rule. It also deprives them of the benefits of shared information, knowledge, expertise, and technical abilities possessed by the affected parties.’’ 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(3). Using negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule differs fundamentally from the Departmentcentered process. In negotiated rulemaking, a proposed rule is developed by an advisory committee or working group, chartered under FACA, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, composed of members chosen to represent the various interests that will be significantly affected by the rule. The goal of the advisory committee or working group is to reach consensus on the treatment of the major issues involved with the rule. The process starts with the Department’s careful identification of all interests potentially affected by the rulemaking under consideration. To help with this identification, the Department publishes a notice of intent such as this one in the Federal Register, identifying a preliminary list of interested parties and requesting public comment on that list. Following receipt of comments, the Department establishes an advisory committee or working group representing the full range of stakeholders to negotiate a consensus on the terms of a proposed rule. Representation on the advisory committee or working group may be direct; that is, each member may represent a specific interest, or may be indirect, such as through trade associations and/or similarly-situated parties with common interests. The Department is a member of the advisory committee or working group and represents the Federal government’s interests. The advisory committee or working group chair is assisted by a neutral mediator who facilitates the negotiation process. The role of the mediator, also called a facilitator, is to apply proven consensus-building techniques to the advisory committee or working group process. After an advisory committee or working group reaches consensus on the provisions of a proposed rule, the Department, consistent with its legal obligations, uses such consensus as the basis of its proposed rule, which then is published in the Federal Register. This PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 publication provides the required public notice and provides for a public comment period. Other participants and other interested parties retain their rights to comment, participate in an informal hearing (if requested), and request judicial review. DOE anticipates, however, that the preproposal consensus agreed upon by the advisory committee or working group will narrow any issues in the subsequent rulemaking. C. Proposed Rulemaking for Energy Conservation Standards Regarding Certain Equipment Classes of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers The NRA enables DOE to establish an advisory committee or working group if it is determined that the use of the negotiated rulemaking process is in the public interest. DOE intends to develop Federal regulations that build on the depth of experience accrued in both the public and private sectors in implementing standards and programs. DOE is supporting the use of the regulatory negotiation process in order to provide for obtaining a diverse array of in-depth input, as well as an opportunity for increased collaborative discussion from both private-sector stakeholders and government officials who are familiar with the energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and freezers. D. Department Commitment In initiating this regulatory negotiation process to develop amendments to the energy conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures, DOE is making a commitment to provide adequate resources to facilitate timely and successful completion of the process. This commitment includes making the process a priority activity for all representatives, components, officials, and personnel of the Department who need to be involved in the rulemaking, from the time of initiation until such time as a final rule is issued or the process is expressly terminated. DOE will provide administrative support for the process and will take steps to ensure that the advisory committee or working group has the dedicated resources it requires to complete its work in a timely fashion. Specifically, DOE will make available the following support services: Properly equipped space adequate for E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules public meetings and caucuses; logistical support; word processing and distribution of background information; the service of a facilitator; and such additional research and other technical assistance as may be necessary. To the maximum extent possible consistent with the legal obligations of the Department, DOE will use the consensus of the advisory committee or working group as the basis for the rule the Department proposes for public notice and comment. E. Negotiating Consensus As discussed above, the negotiated rulemaking process differs fundamentally from the usual process for developing a proposed rule. Negotiation enables interested and affected parties to discuss various approaches to issues rather than asking them only to respond to a proposal developed by the Department. The negotiation process involves a mutual education of the various parties on the practical concerns about the impact of standards. Each advisory committee or working group member participates in resolving the interests and concerns of other members, rather than leaving it up to DOE to evaluate and incorporate different points of view. A key principle of negotiated rulemaking is that agreement is by consensus of all the interests. Thus, no one interest or group of interests is able to control the process. The NRA defines consensus as the unanimous concurrence among interests represented on a negotiated rulemaking committee or working group, unless the committee or working group itself unanimously agrees to use a different definition. 5 U.S.C. 562. In addition, experience has demonstrated that using a trained mediator to facilitate this process will assist all parties, including DOE, in identifying their real interests in the rule, and thus will enable parties to focus on and resolve the important issues. III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS A. Key Issues for Negotiation The following issues and concerns will underlie the work of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for walk-in coolers and freezers and be limited to the items specified below: • Proposed energy conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:26 Aug 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. See 10 CFR 431.306(e).; and • As part of the analysis considered underlying the proposed energy conservation standards mentioned, DOE will consider any comments (including any accompanying data) regarding the potential impacts of these six proposed standards on installers. To examine the underlying issues outlined above, all parties in the negotiation will need DOE to provide data and an analytic framework complete and accurate enough to support their deliberations. DOE’s analyses must be adequate to inform a prospective negotiation—for example, DOE published the technological and economic spreadsheets associated with the June 3, 2014 final rule along with a technical support document detailing those analyses. See https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=EERE-2008-BTSTD-0015-0131). DOE expects to start the Working Group’s discussions with a list of analytical issues that should be considered for revision based on the June 2014 analysis for the six equipment classes of refrigeration walk-in cooler and freezer refrigeration systems subject to the negotiations and encourages interested parties to submit any new data to be considered to the Working Group. B. Formation of Working Group A working group will be formed and operated in full compliance with the requirements of FACA and in a manner consistent with the requirements of the NRA. DOE has determined that the working group shall not exceed 25 members. The Department believes that more than 25 members would make it difficult to conduct effective negotiations. DOE is aware that there are many more potential participants than there are membership slots on the working group. The Department does not believe, nor does the NRA contemplate, that each potentially affected group must participate directly in the negotiations; nevertheless, each affected interest can be adequately represented. To have a successful negotiation, it is important for interested parties to identify and form coalitions that adequately represent significantly affected interests. To provide adequate representation, those coalitions must agree to support, both financially and technically, a member of the working group whom they choose to represent their interests. DOE recognizes that when it considers adding covered products and establishing energy efficiency standards PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 46523 for residential products and commercial equipment, various segments of society may be affected in different ways—in some cases, producing unique ‘‘interests’’ in a proposed rule based on income, gender, or other factors. The Department will pay attention to providing that any unique interests that have been identified, and that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule, are represented. FACA also requires that members of the public have the opportunity to attend meetings of the full committee and speak or otherwise address the committee during the public comment period. In addition, any member of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the advisory committee. DOE plans to follow these same procedures in conducting meetings of the working group. C. Interests Involved/Working Group Membership DOE anticipates that the working group will comprise no more than 25 members who represent affected and interested stakeholder groups, at least one of whom must be a member of the ASRAC. As required by FACA, the Department will conduct the negotiated rulemaking with particular attention to ensuring full and balanced representation of those interests that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule governing standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. Section 562 of the NRA defines the term ‘‘interest’’ as ‘‘with respect to an issue or matter, multiple parties which have a similar point of view or which are likely to be affected in a similar manner.’’ Listed below are parties the Department to date has identified as being ‘‘significantly affected’’ by a proposed rule regarding the energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and freezers. • The Department of Energy; • Trade Associations representing refrigeration system manufacturers of walk-in coolers and freezers; • Manufacturers of refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers and freezers; • Manufacturers of walk-in coolers and freezer refrigeration system components and related suppliers; • Distributors or contractors selling or installers of refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers and freezers; • Utilities; E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 46524 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules • Energy efficiency/environmental advocacy groups; and • Commercial customers. One purpose of this notice of intent is to determine whether Federal regulations for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures will significantly affect interests that are not listed above. DOE invites comment and suggestions on its initial list of significantly affected interests. Members may be individuals or organizations. If the effort is to be fruitful, participants in the working group should be able to fully and adequately represent the viewpoints of their respective interests. This document gives notice of DOE’s process to other potential participants and affords them the opportunity to request representation in the negotiations. Those who wish to be appointed as members of the working group, should submit a request to DOE, in accordance with the public participation procedures outlined in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections of this notice of intent. Membership of the working group is likely to involve: • Attendance at approximately eight (8), one (1)- to two (2)-day meetings (with the potential for two (2) additional one (1)- or two (2)-day meetings); • Travel costs to those meetings; and • Preparation time for those meetings. Members serving on the working group will not receive compensation for their services. Interested parties who are not selected for membership on the working group may make valuable contributions to this negotiated rulemaking effort in any of the following ways: • The person may request to be placed on the working group mailing list and submit written comments as appropriate. • The person may attend working group meetings, which are open to the public; caucus with his or her interest’s member on the working group; or even address the working group during the public comment portion of the working group meeting. • The person could assist the efforts of a workgroup that the working group might establish. A working group may establish informal workgroups, which usually are asked to facilitate committee deliberations by assisting with various technical matters (e.g., researching or VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:26 Aug 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 preparing summaries of the technical literature or comments on specific matters such as economic issues). Workgroups also might assist in estimating costs or drafting regulatory text on issues associated with the analysis of the costs and benefits addressed, or formulating drafts of the various provisions and their justifications as previously developed by the working group. Given their support function, workgroups usually consist of participants who have expertise or particular interest in the technical matter(s) being studied. Because it recognizes the importance of this support work for the working group, DOE will provide appropriate technical expertise for such workgroups. D. Good Faith Negotiation Every working group member must be willing to negotiate in good faith and have the authority, granted by his or her constituency, to do so. The first step is to ensure that each member has good communications with his or her constituencies. An intra-interest network of communication should be established to bring information from the support organization to the member at the table, and to take information from the table back to the support organization. Second, each organization or coalition, therefore, should designate as its representative a person having the credibility and authority to ensure that needed information is provided and decisions are made in a timely fashion. Negotiated rulemaking can require the appointed members to give a significant sustained for as long as the duration of the negotiated rulemaking. Other qualities of members that can be helpful are negotiating experience and skills, and sufficient technical knowledge to participate in substantive negotiations. Certain concepts are central to negotiating in good faith. One is the willingness to bring all issues to the bargaining table in an attempt to reach a consensus, as opposed to keeping key issues in reserve. The second is a willingness to keep the issues at the table and not take them to other forums. Finally, good faith includes a willingness to move away from some of the positions often taken in a more traditional rulemaking process, and instead explore openly with other parties all ideas that may emerge from the working group’s discussions. • Impartially assisting the members of the working group in conducting discussions and negotiations; and • Impartially assisting in performing the duties of the Designated Federal Official under FACA. F. Department Representative The DOE representative will be a full and active participant in the consensus building negotiations. The Department’s representative will meet regularly with senior Department officials, briefing them on the negotiations and receiving their suggestions and advice so that he or she can effectively represent the Department’s views regarding the issues before the working group. DOE’s representative also will ensure that the entire spectrum of governmental interests affected by the standards rulemaking, including the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and other Departmental offices, are kept informed of the negotiations and encouraged to make their concerns known in a timely fashion. G. Working Group and Schedule After evaluating the comments submitted in response to this notice of intent and the requests for nominations, DOE will either inform the members of the working group that they have been selected or determine that conducting a negotiated rulemaking is inappropriate. Per the ASRAC Charter, the working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 27, 2015. DOE will advise working group members of administrative matters related to the functions of the working group before beginning. While the negotiated rulemaking process is underway, DOE is committed to performing much of the same analysis as it would during a normal standards rulemaking process and to providing information and technical support to the working group. E. Facilitator IV. Comments Requested DOE requests comments on which parties should be included in a negotiated rulemaking to develop draft language pertaining to the energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and freezers and suggestions of additional interests and/or stakeholders that should be represented on the working group. All who wish to participate as members of the working group should submit a request for nomination to DOE. The facilitator will act as a neutral in the substantive development of the proposed standard. Rather, the facilitator’s role generally includes: V. Public Participation Members of the public are welcome to observe the business of the meeting and, if time allows, may make oral PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS statements during the specified period for public comment. To attend the meeting and/or to make oral statements regarding any of the items on the agenda, email asrac@ee.doe.gov. In the email, please indicate your name, organization (if appropriate), citizenship, and contact information. Please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures which require advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at (202) 586–1214 or by email: Regina.Washington@ee.doe.gov so that the necessary procedures can be completed. Anyone attending the meeting will be required to present a government photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or government identification. Due to the required security screening upon entry, individuals attending should arrive early to allow for the extra time needed. Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recent changes regarding ID requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings from specific states and U.S. territories. Driver’s licenses from the following states or territory will not be accepted for building entry and one of the alternate forms of ID listed below will be required. DHS has determined that regular driver’s licenses (and ID cards) from the following jurisdictions are not acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: Alaska, Louisiana, New York, American Samoa, Maine, Oklahoma, Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington, and Minnesota. Acceptable alternate forms of PhotoID include: U.S. Passport or Passport Card; an Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by the states of Minnesota, New York or Washington (Enhanced licenses issued by these states are clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver’s License); a military ID or other Federal government issued Photo-ID card. VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today’s notice of intent. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:26 Aug 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 Issued in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2015–19235 Filed 8–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2015–2270; Airspace Docket No. 12–AWP–11] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace, Cottonwood, AZ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Cottonwood Airport, Cottonwood, AZ, to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at the airport. The FAA found establishment of controlled airspace necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 21, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; Telephone (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2015–2270; Airspace Docket No. 12–AWP–11, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (Telephone 1–800– 647–5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 46525 www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_ locations.html. FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; Telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Riedl, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; Telephone (425) 203–4534. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would establish controlled airspace at Cottonwood Airport, Cottonwood, AZ. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2015–2270/Airspace Docket No. 12–AWP–11.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 150 (Wednesday, August 5, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46521-46525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-19235]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[Docket Number EERE-2015-BT-STD-0016]


Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: 
Notice of Intent To Establish a Working Group for Certain Equipment 
Classes of Refrigeration Systems of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers To 
Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy 
Conservation Standards

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. 
Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of intent and announcement of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or, in context, ``the 
Department'') is giving notice of a public meeting and that DOE intends 
to establish a negotiated rulemaking working group under the Appliance 
Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (``ASRAC'') in 
accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (``FACA'') and the 
Negotiated Rulemaking Act (``NRA'') to negotiate proposed amended 
energy conservation standards for six equipment classes (i.e., the two 
equipment classes of multiplex condensing refrigeration systems 
operating at medium and low temperatures and the four equipment classes 
of dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low 
temperatures) of walk-in cooler and freezer refrigeration systems. The 
purpose of the working group will be to discuss and, if possible, reach 
consensus on a proposed rule regarding amended energy conservation 
standards for only those aforementioned equipment classes of 
refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers and freezers, as authorized by 
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as amended. The 
working group will consist of representatives of parties having a 
defined stake in the outcome of the proposed standards, and will 
consult as appropriate with a range of experts on technical issues. Per 
the ASRAC Charter, the working group is expected to make a concerted 
effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 27, 2015.

DATES: DOE will host the first Working Group meeting, which is open to 
the public, and will be broadcast via webinar on Thursday, August 27, 
2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Washington, DC.
    Written comments and applications (i.e., cover letter and resume) 
to be appointed as members of the working group are welcome and should 
be submitted by August 12, 2015.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, Room 8E-089. Individuals 
will also have the opportunity to participate by webinar. To register 
for the webinar and receive call-in information, please register https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/30.
    Interested person may submit comments and an application for 
membership (including a cover letter and resume), identified by docket 
number EERE-2015-BT-STD-0016, via any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: ASRAC@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE-2015-BT-STD-
0016 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a 
compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed 
copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted.
    Docket: The docket is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-STD-0016, including 
Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and 
transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All 
documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-STD-0016 index. However, not all 
documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as 
information that is exempt from public disclosure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Building Technologies (EE-2J), 950 L'Enfant Plaza 
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-287-1692. Email: 
asrac@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Authority
II. Background
III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures
IV. Comments Requested
V. Public Participation
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority

    DOE is announcing its intent to negotiate proposed energy 
conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment 
classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems 
operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler 
and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures, under the 
authority of sections 563 and 564 of the NRA (5 U.S.C. 561-570, Pub. L. 
104-320). The regulation of walk-in coolers and freezers standards that 
DOE is proposing to develop under a negotiated rulemaking will be 
developed under the authority of EPCA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6311(1) 
and 42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.

II. Background

    As required by the NRA, DOE is giving notice that it is 
establishing a working group under ASRAC to discuss proposed energy 
conservation standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment 
classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems 
operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler 
and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures.

[[Page 46522]]

A. Negotiated Rulemaking

    Consistent with the parties' settlement agreement in Lennox v. DOE, 
No. 14-60535 (5th Cir.), DOE is supporting the use of the negotiated 
rulemaking process to discuss and develop proposed energy conservation 
standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes 
applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at 
medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler and freezer 
equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration 
systems operating at low temperatures. The primary reason for using the 
negotiated rulemaking process for this product is that stakeholders 
strongly support a consensual rulemaking effort. DOE believes such a 
regulatory negotiation process will be less adversarial and better 
suited to resolving complex technical issues. An important virtue of 
negotiated rulemaking is that it allows expert dialog that is much 
better than traditional techniques at getting the facts and issues 
right and will result in a proposed rule that will effectively reflect 
Congressional intent.
    A regulatory negotiation will enable DOE to engage in direct and 
sustained dialog with informed, interested, and affected parties when 
drafting the regulation, rather than obtaining input during a public 
comment period after developing and publishing a proposed rule. A rule 
drafted by negotiation with informed and affected parties is expected 
to be potentially more pragmatic and more easily implemented than a 
rule arising from the traditional process. Such rulemaking improvement 
is likely to provide the public with the full benefits of the rule 
while minimizing the potential negative impact of a proposed regulation 
conceived or drafted without the full prior input of outside 
knowledgeable parties. Because a negotiating working group includes 
representatives from the major stakeholder groups affected by or 
interested in the rule, the number of public comments on the proposed 
rule may be decreased. DOE anticipates that there will be a need for 
fewer substantive changes to a proposed rule developed under a 
regulatory negotiation process prior to the publication of a final 
rule.

B. The Concept of Negotiated Rulemaking

    Usually, DOE develops a proposed rulemaking using Department staff 
and consultant resources. Congress noted in the NRA, however, that 
regulatory development may ``discourage the affected parties from 
meeting and communicating with each other, and may cause parties with 
different interests to assume conflicting and antagonistic positions . 
. . .'' 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(2). Congress also stated that ``adversarial 
rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the public of the benefits 
of face-to-face negotiations and cooperation in developing and reaching 
agreement on a rule. It also deprives them of the benefits of shared 
information, knowledge, expertise, and technical abilities possessed by 
the affected parties.'' 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(3).
    Using negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule differs 
fundamentally from the Department-centered process. In negotiated 
rulemaking, a proposed rule is developed by an advisory committee or 
working group, chartered under FACA, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, composed of 
members chosen to represent the various interests that will be 
significantly affected by the rule. The goal of the advisory committee 
or working group is to reach consensus on the treatment of the major 
issues involved with the rule. The process starts with the Department's 
careful identification of all interests potentially affected by the 
rulemaking under consideration. To help with this identification, the 
Department publishes a notice of intent such as this one in the Federal 
Register, identifying a preliminary list of interested parties and 
requesting public comment on that list. Following receipt of comments, 
the Department establishes an advisory committee or working group 
representing the full range of stakeholders to negotiate a consensus on 
the terms of a proposed rule. Representation on the advisory committee 
or working group may be direct; that is, each member may represent a 
specific interest, or may be indirect, such as through trade 
associations and/or similarly-situated parties with common interests. 
The Department is a member of the advisory committee or working group 
and represents the Federal government's interests. The advisory 
committee or working group chair is assisted by a neutral mediator who 
facilitates the negotiation process. The role of the mediator, also 
called a facilitator, is to apply proven consensus-building techniques 
to the advisory committee or working group process.
    After an advisory committee or working group reaches consensus on 
the provisions of a proposed rule, the Department, consistent with its 
legal obligations, uses such consensus as the basis of its proposed 
rule, which then is published in the Federal Register. This publication 
provides the required public notice and provides for a public comment 
period. Other participants and other interested parties retain their 
rights to comment, participate in an informal hearing (if requested), 
and request judicial review. DOE anticipates, however, that the pre-
proposal consensus agreed upon by the advisory committee or working 
group will narrow any issues in the subsequent rulemaking.

C. Proposed Rulemaking for Energy Conservation Standards Regarding 
Certain Equipment Classes of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers

    The NRA enables DOE to establish an advisory committee or working 
group if it is determined that the use of the negotiated rulemaking 
process is in the public interest. DOE intends to develop Federal 
regulations that build on the depth of experience accrued in both the 
public and private sectors in implementing standards and programs.
    DOE is supporting the use of the regulatory negotiation process in 
order to provide for obtaining a diverse array of in-depth input, as 
well as an opportunity for increased collaborative discussion from both 
private-sector stakeholders and government officials who are familiar 
with the energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and freezers.

D. Department Commitment

    In initiating this regulatory negotiation process to develop 
amendments to the energy conservation standards for the two walk-in 
cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the 
four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to 
dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low 
temperatures, DOE is making a commitment to provide adequate resources 
to facilitate timely and successful completion of the process. This 
commitment includes making the process a priority activity for all 
representatives, components, officials, and personnel of the Department 
who need to be involved in the rulemaking, from the time of initiation 
until such time as a final rule is issued or the process is expressly 
terminated. DOE will provide administrative support for the process and 
will take steps to ensure that the advisory committee or working group 
has the dedicated resources it requires to complete its work in a 
timely fashion. Specifically, DOE will make available the following 
support services: Properly equipped space adequate for

[[Page 46523]]

public meetings and caucuses; logistical support; word processing and 
distribution of background information; the service of a facilitator; 
and such additional research and other technical assistance as may be 
necessary.
    To the maximum extent possible consistent with the legal 
obligations of the Department, DOE will use the consensus of the 
advisory committee or working group as the basis for the rule the 
Department proposes for public notice and comment.

E. Negotiating Consensus

    As discussed above, the negotiated rulemaking process differs 
fundamentally from the usual process for developing a proposed rule. 
Negotiation enables interested and affected parties to discuss various 
approaches to issues rather than asking them only to respond to a 
proposal developed by the Department. The negotiation process involves 
a mutual education of the various parties on the practical concerns 
about the impact of standards. Each advisory committee or working group 
member participates in resolving the interests and concerns of other 
members, rather than leaving it up to DOE to evaluate and incorporate 
different points of view.
    A key principle of negotiated rulemaking is that agreement is by 
consensus of all the interests. Thus, no one interest or group of 
interests is able to control the process. The NRA defines consensus as 
the unanimous concurrence among interests represented on a negotiated 
rulemaking committee or working group, unless the committee or working 
group itself unanimously agrees to use a different definition. 5 U.S.C. 
562. In addition, experience has demonstrated that using a trained 
mediator to facilitate this process will assist all parties, including 
DOE, in identifying their real interests in the rule, and thus will 
enable parties to focus on and resolve the important issues.

III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures

A. Key Issues for Negotiation

    The following issues and concerns will underlie the work of the 
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for walk-in coolers and freezers and be 
limited to the items specified below:
     Proposed energy conservation standards for the two walk-in 
cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to multiplex condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and the 
four walk-in cooler and freezer equipment classes applicable to 
dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low 
temperatures. See 10 CFR 431.306(e).; and
     As part of the analysis considered underlying the proposed 
energy conservation standards mentioned, DOE will consider any comments 
(including any accompanying data) regarding the potential impacts of 
these six proposed standards on installers.
    To examine the underlying issues outlined above, all parties in the 
negotiation will need DOE to provide data and an analytic framework 
complete and accurate enough to support their deliberations. DOE's 
analyses must be adequate to inform a prospective negotiation--for 
example, DOE published the technological and economic spreadsheets 
associated with the June 3, 2014 final rule along with a technical 
support document detailing those analyses. See https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2008-BT-STD-0015-0131). DOE 
expects to start the Working Group's discussions with a list of 
analytical issues that should be considered for revision based on the 
June 2014 analysis for the six equipment classes of refrigeration walk-
in cooler and freezer refrigeration systems subject to the negotiations 
and encourages interested parties to submit any new data to be 
considered to the Working Group.

B. Formation of Working Group

    A working group will be formed and operated in full compliance with 
the requirements of FACA and in a manner consistent with the 
requirements of the NRA. DOE has determined that the working group 
shall not exceed 25 members. The Department believes that more than 25 
members would make it difficult to conduct effective negotiations. DOE 
is aware that there are many more potential participants than there are 
membership slots on the working group. The Department does not believe, 
nor does the NRA contemplate, that each potentially affected group must 
participate directly in the negotiations; nevertheless, each affected 
interest can be adequately represented. To have a successful 
negotiation, it is important for interested parties to identify and 
form coalitions that adequately represent significantly affected 
interests. To provide adequate representation, those coalitions must 
agree to support, both financially and technically, a member of the 
working group whom they choose to represent their interests.
    DOE recognizes that when it considers adding covered products and 
establishing energy efficiency standards for residential products and 
commercial equipment, various segments of society may be affected in 
different ways--in some cases, producing unique ``interests'' in a 
proposed rule based on income, gender, or other factors. The Department 
will pay attention to providing that any unique interests that have 
been identified, and that may be significantly affected by the proposed 
rule, are represented.
    FACA also requires that members of the public have the opportunity 
to attend meetings of the full committee and speak or otherwise address 
the committee during the public comment period. In addition, any member 
of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the 
advisory committee. DOE plans to follow these same procedures in 
conducting meetings of the working group.

C. Interests Involved/Working Group Membership

    DOE anticipates that the working group will comprise no more than 
25 members who represent affected and interested stakeholder groups, at 
least one of whom must be a member of the ASRAC. As required by FACA, 
the Department will conduct the negotiated rulemaking with particular 
attention to ensuring full and balanced representation of those 
interests that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule 
governing standards for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment 
classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems 
operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler 
and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures. Section 562 of the 
NRA defines the term ``interest'' as ``with respect to an issue or 
matter, multiple parties which have a similar point of view or which 
are likely to be affected in a similar manner.'' Listed below are 
parties the Department to date has identified as being ``significantly 
affected'' by a proposed rule regarding the energy efficiency of walk-
in coolers and freezers.
     The Department of Energy;
     Trade Associations representing refrigeration system 
manufacturers of walk-in coolers and freezers;
     Manufacturers of refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers 
and freezers;
     Manufacturers of walk-in coolers and freezer refrigeration 
system components and related suppliers;
     Distributors or contractors selling or installers of 
refrigeration systems of walk-in coolers and freezers;
     Utilities;

[[Page 46524]]

     Energy efficiency/environmental advocacy groups; and
     Commercial customers.
    One purpose of this notice of intent is to determine whether 
Federal regulations for the two walk-in cooler and freezer equipment 
classes applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems 
operating at medium and low temperatures and the four walk-in cooler 
and freezer equipment classes applicable to dedicated condensing 
refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures will significantly 
affect interests that are not listed above. DOE invites comment and 
suggestions on its initial list of significantly affected interests.
    Members may be individuals or organizations. If the effort is to be 
fruitful, participants in the working group should be able to fully and 
adequately represent the viewpoints of their respective interests. This 
document gives notice of DOE's process to other potential participants 
and affords them the opportunity to request representation in the 
negotiations. Those who wish to be appointed as members of the working 
group, should submit a request to DOE, in accordance with the public 
participation procedures outlined in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections 
of this notice of intent. Membership of the working group is likely to 
involve:
     Attendance at approximately eight (8), one (1)- to two 
(2)-day meetings (with the potential for two (2) additional one (1)- or 
two (2)-day meetings);
     Travel costs to those meetings; and
     Preparation time for those meetings.
    Members serving on the working group will not receive compensation 
for their services. Interested parties who are not selected for 
membership on the working group may make valuable contributions to this 
negotiated rulemaking effort in any of the following ways:
     The person may request to be placed on the working group 
mailing list and submit written comments as appropriate.
     The person may attend working group meetings, which are 
open to the public; caucus with his or her interest's member on the 
working group; or even address the working group during the public 
comment portion of the working group meeting.
     The person could assist the efforts of a workgroup that 
the working group might establish.
    A working group may establish informal workgroups, which usually 
are asked to facilitate committee deliberations by assisting with 
various technical matters (e.g., researching or preparing summaries of 
the technical literature or comments on specific matters such as 
economic issues). Workgroups also might assist in estimating costs or 
drafting regulatory text on issues associated with the analysis of the 
costs and benefits addressed, or formulating drafts of the various 
provisions and their justifications as previously developed by the 
working group. Given their support function, workgroups usually consist 
of participants who have expertise or particular interest in the 
technical matter(s) being studied. Because it recognizes the importance 
of this support work for the working group, DOE will provide 
appropriate technical expertise for such workgroups.

D. Good Faith Negotiation

    Every working group member must be willing to negotiate in good 
faith and have the authority, granted by his or her constituency, to do 
so. The first step is to ensure that each member has good 
communications with his or her constituencies. An intra-interest 
network of communication should be established to bring information 
from the support organization to the member at the table, and to take 
information from the table back to the support organization. Second, 
each organization or coalition, therefore, should designate as its 
representative a person having the credibility and authority to ensure 
that needed information is provided and decisions are made in a timely 
fashion. Negotiated rulemaking can require the appointed members to 
give a significant sustained for as long as the duration of the 
negotiated rulemaking. Other qualities of members that can be helpful 
are negotiating experience and skills, and sufficient technical 
knowledge to participate in substantive negotiations.
    Certain concepts are central to negotiating in good faith. One is 
the willingness to bring all issues to the bargaining table in an 
attempt to reach a consensus, as opposed to keeping key issues in 
reserve. The second is a willingness to keep the issues at the table 
and not take them to other forums. Finally, good faith includes a 
willingness to move away from some of the positions often taken in a 
more traditional rulemaking process, and instead explore openly with 
other parties all ideas that may emerge from the working group's 
discussions.

E. Facilitator

    The facilitator will act as a neutral in the substantive 
development of the proposed standard. Rather, the facilitator's role 
generally includes:
     Impartially assisting the members of the working group in 
conducting discussions and negotiations; and
     Impartially assisting in performing the duties of the 
Designated Federal Official under FACA.

F. Department Representative

    The DOE representative will be a full and active participant in the 
consensus building negotiations. The Department's representative will 
meet regularly with senior Department officials, briefing them on the 
negotiations and receiving their suggestions and advice so that he or 
she can effectively represent the Department's views regarding the 
issues before the working group. DOE's representative also will ensure 
that the entire spectrum of governmental interests affected by the 
standards rulemaking, including the Office of Management and Budget, 
the Attorney General, and other Departmental offices, are kept informed 
of the negotiations and encouraged to make their concerns known in a 
timely fashion.

G. Working Group and Schedule

    After evaluating the comments submitted in response to this notice 
of intent and the requests for nominations, DOE will either inform the 
members of the working group that they have been selected or determine 
that conducting a negotiated rulemaking is inappropriate.
    Per the ASRAC Charter, the working group is expected to make a 
concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 27, 2015.
    DOE will advise working group members of administrative matters 
related to the functions of the working group before beginning. While 
the negotiated rulemaking process is underway, DOE is committed to 
performing much of the same analysis as it would during a normal 
standards rulemaking process and to providing information and technical 
support to the working group.

IV. Comments Requested

    DOE requests comments on which parties should be included in a 
negotiated rulemaking to develop draft language pertaining to the 
energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and freezers and suggestions of 
additional interests and/or stakeholders that should be represented on 
the working group. All who wish to participate as members of the 
working group should submit a request for nomination to DOE.

V. Public Participation

    Members of the public are welcome to observe the business of the 
meeting and, if time allows, may make oral

[[Page 46525]]

statements during the specified period for public comment. To attend 
the meeting and/or to make oral statements regarding any of the items 
on the agenda, email asrac@ee.doe.gov. In the email, please indicate 
your name, organization (if appropriate), citizenship, and contact 
information. Please note that foreign nationals participating in the 
public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures 
which require advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. 
If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, 
please inform DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina 
Washington at (202) 586-1214 or by email: Regina.Washington@ee.doe.gov 
so that the necessary procedures can be completed. Anyone attending the 
meeting will be required to present a government photo identification, 
such as a passport, driver's license, or government identification. Due 
to the required security screening upon entry, individuals attending 
should arrive early to allow for the extra time needed.
    Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) recent changes regarding ID requirements for individuals 
wishing to enter Federal buildings from specific states and U.S. 
territories. Driver's licenses from the following states or territory 
will not be accepted for building entry and one of the alternate forms 
of ID listed below will be required.
    DHS has determined that regular driver's licenses (and ID cards) 
from the following jurisdictions are not acceptable for entry into DOE 
facilities: Alaska, Louisiana, New York, American Samoa, Maine, 
Oklahoma, Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington, and Minnesota.
    Acceptable alternate forms of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or 
Passport Card; an Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID-Card issued 
by the states of Minnesota, New York or Washington (Enhanced licenses 
issued by these states are clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver's 
License); a military ID or other Federal government issued Photo-ID 
card.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today's notice 
of intent.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2015-19235 Filed 8-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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